ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Ecology Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RIOS

Landscape Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

RCH

Landscape Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$67K - $79K/yr

This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

RIOS

Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

RCH

Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$67K - $79K/yr

This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

Rios Inc

Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$22 - $27/hr

This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

Rios Inc

Landscape Designer I

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

This serves as the foundation for exploring ecology, materiality, sustainability, and tectonic ... The Designer I role is an entry-level professional position responsible for supporting project ...

All JobsEcology JobsEntry Level Ecology JobsEntry Level Ecology Jobs in California

Entry Level Ecology information

See California salary details

$16.2K

$40.7K

$59.2K

How much do entry level ecology jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level ecology in California is $40,705.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,314.00 and $46,513.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of fieldwork and data collection are typically expected in an entry level ecology position?

Entry-level ecology roles often involve a mix of outdoor fieldwork and laboratory tasks. You may be responsible for collecting soil, water, or plant samples, monitoring wildlife populations, and recording environmental data in various weather conditions. Collaboration with more experienced ecologists or conservation teams is common to ensure data accuracy and safety in the field. These experiences provide valuable hands-on skills and foundational knowledge, which are highly regarded for career advancement in ecology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level ecologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Ecologist, you typically need a degree in ecology, environmental science, or a related field, with foundational knowledge in biological and ecological principles. Familiarity with GIS software, field sampling equipment, and data analysis tools is often required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork skills help you effectively collect data and collaborate on research projects. These abilities ensure accurate data collection, reliable analysis, and productive fieldwork, all of which are vital for ecological research and conservation efforts.

What is the difference between Entry Level Ecology vs Environmental Technician?

AspectEntry Level EcologyEnvironmental Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Ecology, Environmental Science, or related fieldAssociate's or Bachelor's in Environmental Science, Biology, or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, research sites, laboratoriesField surveys, sampling, data collection
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, environmental agencies, NGOsEnvironmental consulting firms, government agencies

Entry Level Ecology and Environmental Technician roles often require similar educational backgrounds and involve fieldwork and data collection. However, Entry Level Ecology typically emphasizes research and ecological analysis, while Environmental Technicians focus more on sampling, monitoring, and supporting environmental assessments. Both roles serve the environmental industry but differ slightly in job focus and responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Ecology jobs in California?

The most popular types of Ecology jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Ecology jobs in California?

For Entry Level Ecology jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Ecology jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Ecology jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Ecology jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Ecology job openings:

Entry Level Ecology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Ecology job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,705 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Conservation Crew Member

American Conservation Experience - CREW

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$400/wk

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Interested in working outdoors, hands-on in nature, while helping to protect our public lands and environment? Join American Conservation Experience (ACE) and receive free housing, skills training, an AmeriCorps education award eligibility, and the chance to hike, travel and work in a variety of locations ranging from popular National Parks, Forests, and local natural protected areas. This is a great entry-level position to gain valuable life and career skills while gaining experience working outside.
American Conservation Experience is a non-profit conservation corps, and we are looking for applications to join our crew programs in a variety of locations across the country. You will typically serve for 13 or 26 weeks on projects including ecological restoration, habitat improvement, trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and historic preservation, all while completing a term of AmeriCorps service.
Compensation and benefits include a package valued at $2,000/month or more depending on location. This package includes housing, program meals, project transportation, and puts $400 a week in your pocket.
Additional benefit details include:
  • $800 bi-weekly living allowance
  • 3 meals daily while on project- accommodating your dietary needs whenever possible
  • Free housing accommodations on off days
  • Access to a variety of outdoor pro deals
  • Please note, AmeriCorps position eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to availability.
  • Upon successful completion of a full term, AmeriCorps members receive a Segal Education Award of $3,697.50 (for 900 hours/26 weeks) or $1,956.35 (for 450 hours/13 weeks)
  • Eligible student loans can be placed into forbearance while serving in AmeriCorps with ACE
  • Comprehensive hands-on training to prepare you for a career in conservation. Trainings may include chainsaw, technical trail, herbicide, wilderness medical/first aid, Leave No Trace, outdoor leadership, conflict resolution, team dynamics, backcountry skills and more

We are currently looking for members nationwide for our start dates for 2027Opportunities are available in California from state parks along the coast all the way into the High Sierras, the high desert and forests of the Mountain West, the Southwest and its canyons and mountains, and throughout the Eastern US from the Smokies to the Atlantic Coast.
Take your first steps towards beginning or advancing your career in conservation by applying with us today!

Apply